Rim to Rim Adventures at the Grand Canyon

In what could be a PR photo for the TV show The Amazing Race; we have L/R:  Barbara, Carolyn P, Art, Art's friend, Carolyn D, Cliff, Nancy, Nancy's sidekick & Rob S.

A note from Rob:

I love this 1971 photo!  The juxtaposition of elegant Barbara in her shinny black shoes and red dress along with  Art in his spiffy blue socks and plaid shorts; as they remain unfazed while Nancy appears to be having a major meltdown on the tarmac of the Kanab Airport.  The unnamed side-kicks of both Art and Nancy seem to register mild concern for Nancy’s situation as Carolyn D and Cliff assume stand-by mode and Rob S blissfully smiles.  Carolyn P is just happy to be out on another lark in the fresh air and sun.

In the photo below, the trans-canyon backpack team has made the 70 mile drive to Page, Arizona.  No small accomplishment with eight people and equipment in a seven passenger VW bus – 135 miles to go.  Meanwhile, the Carolyn’s and Barbara drove to the North Rim Lodge for a relaxing Labor Day weekend among the ponderosas’.

After a long slow climb from Cameron to the South Rim, it appears to be time to consult the map in search of the South Kaibab Trailhead.

As noted in the Quill Traders Gallery, a stop at the permit office yielded the backcountry permits only after everyone had a hat; a problem Nancy quickly resolved by fashioning hats out of discarded newspapers.  

Early Monday the hikers emerged triumphant from the canyon tired and very thirsty.  As I recall, we all united in the lodge dining room for a joyful breakfast that consisted mostly of pitchers cold Roaring Springs water.  As was generally the case, the restaurant staff was sad to see us go - or was that glad?